Meet Osamah - our first student through new pilot program
The University of Melbourne is proud to welcome four new students through the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) pilot to commence study in Semester 1, 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the Australian Government, non-profit organisation Skill Path, civil society organisations and universities, this national initiative removes barriers to higher education for globally displaced students. It marks concrete progress toward a more inclusive Australian university sector, enabling refugee students to access Special Humanitarian Visas and settle permanently in Australia with the same opportunities as domestic students.
The first of the four University of Melbourne students to arrive is Osamah, who fled Yemen’s civil war in 2017 and has been living temporarily in Malaysia. Osamah will commence a Master of Biotechnology in 2026.
“When we left Yemen, we were looking to go to a place that we could call home. I hope Australia will offer those opportunities,” Osamah said.
Osamah gained research experience during his undergraduate Biotechnology degree in Malaysia. He is now eager to explore the field's industry applications.
"I want to experience the other side of biotech, which is the industry connection. And that's what the biotech program here at the University excels at," he said.
Osamah is the first of four students to join the University of Melbourne, thanks to the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway pilot program.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Adrian Little helped spearhead the initiative, recognising the need for a refugee student pathway from outside Australia.
“We know that a truly excellent campus is one that reflects the breadth and diversity of our global society. Welcoming talented students from different backgrounds enriches our learning environment, expands our perspective, and strengthens our ability to serve the public good,” Professor Little said.
“This pilot is the result of collaboration and shared purpose with community partners, and we are proud of how our staff, students, and alumni contribute to this vision.”
University of Melbourne alumna Stephanie Cousins, founder and CEO of Skill Path, emphasised the program's focus on ensuring students can access available support.
"The way we've designed the program is to make sure the students know what's available to them," Ms Cousins said.
"Everything from medical support to clubs and societies, financial and accommodation support – that's really what you need when you're a newcomer.
"There's enough support in the higher education sector to support refugees coming in. Not just universities, but students are ready to welcome them. You can see just how great an institution like this is for welcoming new people. Everything's here that they need."
University of Melbourne students will receive tailored support, including financial assistance and accommodation. They will also have access to mentoring through a dedicated Student Welcome Group to assist with settlement and integration. Students who volunteer as part of the Student Welcome Group will be eligible for the Global Citizenship Melbourne Plus credential.
The University is one of several institutions participating in this pilot program, which will see 20 refugee students across the country undertake degrees aligned with skills shortages in Australia.